Year 11 subject descriptions

 
Accounting | Art | Biology | Chemistry | Economics | English and English (E.S.L) | Information Technology | Legal Studies | Mathematics | Mathematical Methods | Media Studies | Music Perfomance Solo Practice | Physics | Psychology | Vietnamese | Visual Communication & Design

Accounting (Units 1 & 2)

Course Description

Unit 1 focuses on accounting and financial management of a small business.  The unit introduces students to the fundamental process of gathering, recording, reporting of financial information for use of an individual in a small business.  The students are introduced to the use of information and communication technology in undertaking accounting procedures.  In Unit 2 the emphasis is on accounting and financial operations of a sole proprietor trading business.  Students will be introduced to an accounting system using the accrual approach for recording and reporting which recognises the impact of credit transactions.  Where appropriate, accounting procedures developed in each area of study will focus on the application of accounting principles and the qualitative characteristics of accounting reports. Students use information and communication technology to evaluate the performance of a business.

Learning Outcomes

Unit 1

  1. Record, report and explain the financial information of sole-proprietor service businesses, using manual and information and communications technology methods.
  2. Identify and explain the financial needs of both sole-proprietor service businesses and of an owner, and describe ways in which accounting contributes to effective decision making for there businesses.

Unit 2

  1. Record financial data and analyse financial information for sole-proprietor trading businesses using manual and information and communications technology methods.
  2. Identify and describe the decision-making needs of a sole proprietor operating a trading business.

Assessment

Assessment tasks for each unit include computer applications and class exercises, class tests, assignment and an end of semester examination.

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Art (Units 1 & 2)

Course Description

Art study is designed to explore the visual arts through both art production and art theory. Art theory challenges students to articulate their understanding of the meanings and messages contained within artworks and to examine the effects of artworks upon the viewer. Throughout their study, students develop skills in research, analysis and art criticism.

In Art production students explore the characteristics and qualities of materials as well as areas of personal interest to generate their own artworks.

Throughout their study students use Analytical Frameworks to analyse, interpret and respond to artworks and to develop their own ideas.

Learning Outcomes

Unit 1, Outcome 1: Art and Meaning

This area of study introduces the concept of Analytical Frameworks. Students use the frameworks to interpret the ideas expressed in artworks. They also develop an understanding that the meaning of an artwork may be a personal response by the viewer. Students study both historical and contemporary artworks from a range of societies and cultures. On completion of this unit students should be able to analyse and interpret a variety of artworks using the Formal and the Personal Framework

Unit 1, Outcome 2: Art-making and Personal Meaning

On completion of this area of study students should be able to present creative visual responses that demonstrate their personal interests and ideas through trialling techniques, materials and processes.

Unit 2, Outcome 1: Art and Culture

This area of study looks at the ways in which art reflects and communicates the values, beliefs and traditions of societies for and in which it is created. On completion of this unit students should be able to analyse, interpret, compare and contrast artworks from different cultures using the Formal and Cultural Framework.

Unit 2, Outcome 2: Art-making and Cultural Expression

On completion of this area of study students should have developed visual responses that demonstrate technical and artistic development and that explore a range of media, materials and techniques.

Assessment

The student's level of achievement is determined by school assessed coursework (20% of the final mark), the folio and visual diary (60%) and an internally set end-of-year examination (20%).

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Biology (Units 1 & 2)

Course Description

Unit 1 examines the cell as the structural and functional unit of the whole organism. I also examines the functional and structural characteristics of organisms, and similarities and differences between plants and animals. Unit 2 examines the rich diversity of Australian ecosystems by investigating adaptations in both animals and plants that enable them to survive. Homeostasis and ecology are both considered.

Outcomes

Unit 1

  1. An investigation related to cellular structure, organisation and processes.
  2. Description and explanation of the relationship between features and requirements of functioning organisms and how these are used to construct taxonomic systems.

Unit 2

  1. Explanation and analysis of the relationship between environmental factors and adaptations and distribution of living things.
  2. Design, conduct and report on a field investigation related to the interactions between living things and their environment and explain how ecosystems change over time.

Assessment

There are four assessment tasks in Unit 1 and four in Unit 2. In both Units, these are:

  1. practical work
  2. class tests
  3. an individual research project
  4. a unit examination.

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Chemistry (Units 1 & 2)

Course Description

Unit 1 focuses on the historical development of, and the relationship between, the Periodic Table and atomic theory. Students investigate trends and patterns within the Periodic Table and use subshell notation to describe the electronic configuration of elements. They explore the link between the electronic configuration of an element and the type of bonding in which it participates. Students are introduced to many of the major qualitative and quantitative ideas fundamental to chemistry including empirical and molecular formulas and the mole concept. They undertake practical activities that build their understanding of the Periodic Table.

Unit 2 focuses on the study of water. Students explore the special properties (chemical and physical) of water which make it so important to living things and relate the properties to chemical bonding characteristics. Students investigate chemical reactions that take place in aqueous solution by conducting practical activities on precipitation, acid-base reactions and redox reactions such as corrosion. They use full and ionic equations to represent the reactions and calculate the amount of reactants and products involved. Students investigate the concepts of solubility, concentration and pH, when dealing with problems of pollution and maintaining the quality of water. They investigate at least one process that uses the principles of green chemistry.

Learning Outcomes

Unit 1

  1. On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain how evidence is used to develop or refine chemical ideas and knowledge.
  2. On completion of this unit the student should be able to use models of structure and bonding to explain the properties and applications of materials.

Unit 2

  1. On completion of this unit the student should be able to write balanced equations and apply these to qualitative and quantitative investigations of reactions involving acids and bases, the formation of precipitates and gases, and oxidants and reductants.
  2. On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain how chemical reactions and processes occurring in the atmosphere help to sustain life on earth.

Assessment

A number of assessment tasks contribute to the final level of achievement in both Units 1 & 2.  These include: practical work; short reports; oral, poster and multimedia presentations; construction and simulation of molecules; bonding formulas; modelling; and tests.  In each unit there will be a semester examination.

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Economics (Units 1 & 2)

Course Description

Unit 1 begins with the study of how markets operate in Australia to determine what is produced, how it is produced and who receives the goods and services that are produced. Decisions made by households, businesses, governments and other relevant groups are analysed to determine the impact they have on the way resources are allocated in different markets. Students then examine the importance of maintaining sustainable rates of economic growth for current and future living standards. Students also examine other important economic issues that are currently affecting the Australian and world economies.

Unit 2 begins with a study of the changing nature of population and demographics, the labour market and other related factors influencing the level of economic prosperity in the country. Students examine and analyse the impact on Australia's living standards of changing employment and participation patterns, skills shortages and technological change. Students then consider two contemporary global economic issues in light of how the economic decisions made by domestic and international households, businesses, governments and other relevant groups influence the Australian and international economies.

Learning Outcomes

Unit 1

  1. Explain the role of markets in the Australian economy, how markets operate to meet the needs and wants of its citizens, and apply economic decision making to current economic problems.
  2. Describe the nature of economic growth and sustainable development and one other contemporary economic issue, explain how these issues are affected by the actions of economic decision-makers, and evaluate the impact of these issues on living standards.

Unit 2

  1. Describe the factors that influence Australia's population and labour markets, and analyse how changes in these areas may impact upon living standards.
  2. Describe the nature of two contemporary global economic issues, explain how each issue is affected by the actions of economic decision-makers, and evaluate the impact of the issue on living standards.

Assessment

The level of achievement is based on a student's performance on a number of assessment tasks in each semester:

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English and English (E.S.L.) (Units 1 & 2)

Separate classes will be established for students whose first language is English and for students whose first language is not English.

Course Description

This study involves students in extending their language skills through developing their capacity to speak and write effectively for a range of purposes in a variety of ways as well as developing an understanding of how the media presents information.

Learning Outcomes

Unit 1

  1. Identify and discuss ideas, themes and issues in set texts and construct a response in written or oral form.
  2. Communicate effectively in writing, taking into account context, purpose and audience.
  3. Identify and discuss how language can be used to persuade readers and/or viewers.

Unit 2

  1. Discuss and analyse how texts convey ways of thinking about the characters, ideas and themes and construct a response in oral or written form.
  2. Create and present texts taking account of purpose, audience and context.
  3. Identify and analyse how language is used in a persuasive text and to present a reasoned point of view in an oral or a written form.

Assessment

At the end of each semester students will sit a written examination.  In addition, students will complete a number of assessed tasks for each of the outcomes.  All tasks will have equal weighting i.e. each outcome in each semester is weighted equally.

 

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Information Technology (Units 1 & 2)

Course Description

Unit 1 focuses on how individuals use, and can be affected by, information and communications technology (ICT) in their daily lives.  Students acquire and apply a range of knowledge and skills to create information that persuades, educates or entertains. Unit 2 focuses on how individuals and organisations, such as sporting clubs, charitable institutions, small businesses and government agencies use ICT.  Students are required to create solutions and information products that meet personal and clients' needs.

Learning Outcomes

Unit 1

  1. Transform an existing printed information product into an on-screen information product to meet a specific audience need and evaluate the success of this information product.
  2. Solve an information problem by collecting data and using database management software to manipulate that data.
  3. Create an on-screen information product that presents an analysis of a contemporary ICT issue and substantiates a point of view.

Unit 2

  1. Demonstrate progression in the ability to use a programming or scripting language, record the learning progress electronically, and explain possible career pathways that require the use of the software skills.
  2. Represent a networked information system within an organisation, and describe the way a specified set of data flows through the system, where it is stored and where it is processed.
  3. Design a solution and an information product for a client, taking into account client feedback, solve the information problem, and evaluate the solution and product.

Assessment

The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on a decision that the student has demonstrated achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit. This decision will be based on the student's overall performance on assessment tasks designated for the unit.

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Legal Studies (Units 1 & 2)

Course Description

Units 1 & 2 examine the broad issues related to why we have laws and how such laws influence individuals and the society we live in. Unit 1 studies Criminal Law and Unit 2 studies Civil Law.

Learning Outcomes

Unit 1

  1. Law in society.
  2. Criminal Law.
  3. The criminal courtroom.

Unit 2

  1. Civil Law.
  2. The civil law in action.
  3. The law in focus.
  4. A question of rights.

Assessment

Assessment will be school-based. Students will undertake a range of tasks including:

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Vietnamese (Units 1 & 2)

Course Description

The study of Vietnamese develops the student's ability to understand and use a language which is spoken by over 76 million people living in Vietnam. It is also the home language of about two million people living in other countries such as France, the United States, Canada and Australia.

As well as giving students direct access to a culture which is rich in history, literature and the arts, the ability to communicate in Vietnamese, in conjunction with other skills, may broaden students' vocational options in areas such as trade, the arts, education, social welfare, interpreting and translating.

Learning Outcomes

Unit 1 

  1. establish and maintain a spoken or written exchange related to personal areas of experience.
  2. listen to, read and obtain information from spoken and written texts.
  3. produce a personal response to a text focusing on real or imaginary experience.

Unit 2

  1. participate in a spoken or written exchange related to making arrangements and completing transactions.
  2. listen to, read, and extract and use information and ideas from spoken and written texts.
  3. give expression to real or imaginary experience in spoken or written form.

Assessment - Units 1 & 2

Assessment tasks for each unit include class exercises, class tests, an assignment and an end of semester examination.

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Vietnamese (Units 3 & 4)

Course Description

The areas of study for Vietnamese comprise themes and topics, text types, kinds of writing, vocabulary and grammar.

The themes and topics are the vehicle through which the student will demonstrate achievement of the outcomes, in the sense that they form the subject of the activities and tasks the student undertakes. The text types, kinds of writing, vocabulary and grammar are linked, both to each other, and to the themes and topics. Together, as common areas of study, they add a further layer of definition to the knowledge and skills required for successful achievement of the outcomes.

The common areas of study provide the opportunity for the student to build upon what is familiar, as well as develop knowledge and skills in new and more challenging areas.

Learning Outcomes

Unit 3

  1. express ideas through the production of original texts.
  2. analyse and use information from spoken texts.
  3. exchange information, opinions and experiences.

Unit 4

On completion of this unit the student should be able to respond critically to spoken and written texts which reflect aspects of the language and culture of Vietnamese-speaking communities.

    1. analyse and use information from written texts.
    2. respond critically to spoken and written texts which reflect aspects of the language and culture of Vietnamese-speaking communities.

Assessment - Units 3 & 4

  1. Unit 3 school-assessed coursework: 25 per cent
  2. Unit 4 school-assessed coursework: 25 per cent
  3. Examinations*:
    - oral component 12.5 per cent
    - written component 37.5 per cent


    *A single grade is awarded

 

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Visual Communication & Design (Units 1 & 2)

Course Description

Visual Communication and Design involves drawing, designing and communicating.  Visual communicators in fields such as architecture, engineering, graphic design, multimedia design, industrial design, cartograpy, advertising and fashion all depend on graphics to communicate ideas and information.  This study is intended to assist students in the understanding, use and interpretation of a range of visual communications.  The main purpose of Unit 1 – Visual communication, is to enable students to prepare instrumental drawings of objects and explore freehand drawing from direct observation.  Students are also introduced to the visual communication design process.  In Unit 2, communication in context, students develop practical skills by generating images and developing them through freehand and instrumental drawing.  The ways in which information and ideas are communicated visually is explored through analysing the work of others.  The visual communication production process is applied by modifying existing final presentations for specified audiences.

Learning Outcomes

Unit 1  Visual Communication

  1. Complete instrumental drawings using a range of paraline drawing systems.
  2. Draw from direct observation, in proportion, and render drawings.
  3. Explore and apply design elements and principles to satisfy a stated purpose.
  4. On completion of this unit the student should be able to describe the nature of the design process in the production of visual communications.

Unit 2  Communication in Context

  1. On completion of this unit the student should be able to use freehand and instrumental drawings to develop images that represent and communicate form.
  2. On completion of this unit the student should be able to use freehand drawings in the development of rendered three-dimensional images.
  3. On completion of this unit the student should be able to apply the design process to develop a visual communication solution to a set brief.
  4. On completion of this unit the student should be able to describe and analyse contemporary and historical examples of visual communication and explain how they communicate ideas, present information and reflect influences.

Assessment

The award of satisfactory completion of the unit is based on a decision that the student has demonstrated achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit, together with an end of unit examination.

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